Pain de Ménage (Québécois Homestyle Bread)

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Proof the Yeast

   Stir sugar into warm water. Sprinkle yeast and wait 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

2. 2

   Mix the Dough

   Add oil, salt, and flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Knead

   Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. 4

   First Rise

   Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60 minutes until doubled.

5. 5

   Shape

   Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased pan.

6. 6

   Second Rise

   Cover and rise 30 minutes until cresting above the pan.

7. 7

   Bake

   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 28–32 minutes. Cool on a rack.

Nutrition Facts

Tips & Tricks

• •If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on.
• •Test yeast freshness: if it doesn't foam within 10 minutes, the yeast is dead.
• •The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky when properly kneaded.